University Standard Module Template Faculty: School/Department: Education, Law & Social Sciences (ELSS) School of Life Module

Title: Level 6 Research Methods Programme(s) on which the module is delivered BA (Hons) Life in Practice Programme aims addressed through this module: This module will help to: Facilitate the discovery of a range and depth of theoretical and practical knowledge pertinent to understanding self and the wider world. Foster confidence and self-belief in order to empower learners to find solutions to life challenges or to redesign themselves. Provide practical experiences and develop reflective learners who are able to communicate effectively and contribute in a diverse team setting. Provide an opportunity for learners to experiment with critical decision making skills, open-mindedness and creativity. Indicative content This module provides students with the opportunity to apply core knowledge into real life situations in a safe and supported way. The following topics will be covered during the module: What is a research? Selecting a research topic Writing a research proposal Literature searching (including citation searching) Conducting a literature review Secondary research Research philosophies Research Design quantitative/qualitative debate Sampling Interviewing including focus groups Questionnaires Quantitative Analysis Qualitative Analysis Presentation of results Referencing Predominant delivery method:
Please tick as appropriate

Study mode(s):
Please tick as appropriate

Campus-based Distance-based self study Workplace-based Campus-based but with a placement component

Full time Part time Offered in both modes

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Intended Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes: 1. Outline and explain the core knowledge relating to life skills; personal communication, team working, leadership, managing projects, business, change management, self- guided acquisition of knowledge and professional practice 2. Critically evaluate professional work practice, human behaviour and approaches to business. Focus on personal achievements and progress as a learner, the strengths and weaknesses of their contributions to a team based activities, and communicate their conclusions clearly to work based professionals, team members, teaching staff and wider audiences. 3. Reflect on the implications of personal identity, culture, globalisation, structures for control and individual goals in order to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to work towards achieving life goals and continue to learn independently and to develop professionally.

Learning and Teaching methods

Learners will engage with Life in Practice course through a range of innovative teaching methods which have a strong emphasis on experiential learning, practical self-discovery and tutorial discussion. Learners will receive support in their learning journey through a combination of knowledge delivery types, which will be achieved through both face-to-face and online learning; including lectures, workshops, seminars, and tutorial based learning. Participation in structured social interactions is designed to involve learners in collaborative and challenging discussions and debates, which will foster the exploration of alternative perspectives and viewpoints. The variety of learning methods is designed to support and reflect the wide-ranging learning styles of a diverse student body. There will be rich and diverse assessment methods, which includes the opportunity for individual negotiated study to enable students to demonstrate their skills knowledge and experience. Learners are given the opportunity to produce creative project work, both individually and within a group. This will be supplemented by opportunities for placement learning throughout the programme, which will enable learners to engage in work based learning in a variety of different contexts. Throughout Life in Practice, the learning journey will be supported by opportunities for exploration and experimentation, which will enable learners to critically analyse their own learning journey, and reflect on their own unique personal and professional development.

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Breakdown of study time: Scheduled learning and teaching activities Guided independent learning Placement/study abroad Assessment and Feedback: Summative assessment: Individual research project (100%) Learning outcomes covered: 1-3

20% 80% 0%

Broad assessment type: Written exams: Practical exams: Coursework: 100%

Formative assessment: One-to-one tutorial with the individual supervisor Feedback: Formative feedback: Formative feedback will be available via the Moodle site and regular one to one tutorials with the supervisor. Students are expected to participate in Moodle forums and maintain regular contact with their supervisor. Summative feedback: Summative feedback will be available in line with Faculty procedures.

September 2012

Related Modules Pre-requisite Module: None Excluded Module: Placement Project This module is not normally suitable for final year direct entrants.

Learning Resources Core Text Bell, J. (2007) Doing your research project. 4th ed. Open University. BCU Business School Research Handbook Business School Guide to Referencing http://essential.tbs.uce.ac.uk/harvard.html

Journals Students will be directed towards appropriate material by their supervisors including journal articles, readings and internet sources.

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The following section to be completed by the Faculty Office: Module Code: LIP6003 Level (e.g. level 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7): 6

Where necessary, agreed abbreviated LRM module title for the SRS (maximum xxx characters) Credit value: 30 Credits Module Leader: Olusegun Dosumu Module start date(s) during the current academic year: January 2015 Module finish date(s) during the current academic year: May 2015 Assessment weightings: Individual research project (100%)

For SRS Team Use Only: Created By: Date:

September 2012